Increase Lamictal if Feeling Depressed Again

Comment from: jag020372, 35-44 on Treatment for 6 months - i year (Patient) Published: July 19

I am writing this letter to limited my sincere gratitude for this medication - information technology has changed my life. I recently began lamictal in treatment of bipolar disorder. I had been on SSRI antidepressants since around the age of 20. I thought they were working, only yet, I was still extremely depressed, anxious, and unpredictable in my behaviors. I cried all the time, became angry frequently, and felt out of command emotionally. I struggled to go on a job for longer than a year, stay in my matrimony, stay focused on whatever one matter, or have any semblance of a counterbalanced, healthy life. I was only ever offered SSRIs and I thought my life feel was the best it was ever going to exist. I was addicted to cigarettes, booze, and nutrient. I didn't realize how bad I actually was, until I started using the lamictal product in January of this year. Of a sudden, who I was completely changed. This is my all-time cocky - the person I never imagined that I could be. My whole life has changed in ways I never thought possible. I don't feel and then overwhelmed and tortured with guilt or depression. I am successful at piece of work, I purchased my own habitation, I lost l lbs, and I am stable in many, many means I never thought possible. I do aspect this to lamictal, because of the immediate and significant changes that I have experienced. The simple improver of this medication in my life has made these things possible. If I had known the person I could be nether these conditions, things in my life would take been very different for years. I do not regret the past, as it is in the past, but I do look forward to my future then very very much more than I ever have. I accept been able to start my life over in a more productive and salubrious manner. I cannot say enough about this drug - it has saved my life.

Comment from: aedancerchick14, nineteen-24 on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient) Published: April 10

Lamictal has changed my life....and unfortunately...non for the improve. I started taking Lamictal in 2002...and nearly seven years later on I am still suffering the effects Lamictal has left on me. Equally a result of taking Lamictal,I developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome...this is the "rash" the doctor's might tell you lot about as a side result. SJS all the same is far more than that. If you lot get this so chosen "rash" from Lamictal...it gives you a reaction that litterally makes your skin peel off and blister and cause your peel to take chemical burns from the within out. This was an extremely atrocious and painful experience. Lamictal sent me to the burn center for 6 weeks and gave me a ventilator, because the skin on my lungs was sloughing off equally a event of the medication and I couldn't breathe on my own. I would give annihilation to go back and never accept taken Lamictal. Maybe for some people, when you lot have no other choice, you might have to use it equally a final resort..but for me their were and so many other options. You also have to sentry out for swollen lymph nodes this could be a sign that you are getting an allergic reaction. The chemical burns from the Lamictal made information technology and then there were blisters in my eyes and now I accept unbearable eye pain and eye problems. My eyes do not look normal I accept redness pain, dry out eye syndrome,(severe,I have to use eyedrops well-nigh ten-20 times a twenty-four hour period) photophobia,trichiasis,blepharitis,droopy,swollen eyelids, and constant center infections considering of this. I have scars and have also lost all my fingernails and toenails because I lost my blast beds as a direct result of Lamictal. I besides am very sensitive to hot and cold temperature and cannot be our for long periods of time. Information technology is such a hassle and has hindered me in life. Now,if yous are thinking, this happened to merely one of those unlucky people who are one out of a 1000000, y'all are wrong The risk is a lot higher than you think. Information technology is 1/100. just delight be careful and ASK YOUR Doc ABOUT STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME. God Bless

Annotate from: klgpoet, 35-44 on Treatment for half dozen months - one year (Patient) Published: Oct 12

I have been on Abilify, Risperdal and Seroquel to proper name a few. I was on 10 meds at i time and still a mess if not worse. At present I take Lanictal, Klonopin and Rozerem, simply three and my quality of life has improved drastically. My mood swings are lessened profoundly and most weeks pretty nonivasive to my life activity. I remember the Lamictal is primairly repsonsible. I am diagnosed with BiPolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder and PTSD.

Comment from: Shirley, 55-64 on Treatment for ane-2 years (Patient) Published: August 20

I was diagnosed with Bipolar II a few years ago. Information technology took my psychiatrist and therapist almost a year to convince me to try Lamictal. Can't believe how well information technology works - no more depression! I don't cry for no reason at present and I feel more like getting out and doing things. Has helped with my racing and obsessive thoughts besides. Only side effects are slight pilus loss, trouble sometimes finding words and dropping things. However, no 1 is going to take this drug away from me.

Comment from: sistercate, 25-34 on Handling for 1-6 months (Patient) Published: May 20

I take my life dorsum. I could leave it at that. Just I would like to tell you HOW. I have been suffering with bipolar 2 for half dozen years at present. I literally thought I had become a crazy, worthless person. I couldn't remember conversations with co-workers and I think I was most to lose my chore. My boss told me to see a psychiatrist. He is a good guy...I think that was going to be the last effort for him to assistance me before firing me. I used to be a highly functioning person. I managed to graduate from higher with a 3.2 GPA without going to class even 50% of the time. I loved physical activity and reading and music. 6 years ago everything changed. I was in a grad program and failed out. I was going to class and studying constantly but I was having major memory problems. And then I started having depression, then hypomanic episodes. I was just a consummate mess. My psychiatrist put me on Lamictal slowly while slowly weaning me off of Lexapro. At present I am at 400mg daily and I feel wonderful. I am dorsum to being a highly agile, functioning person. I am me for the first time in 6 years. My husband is delighted--he only knew me AFTER the bipolar set in. He has loved me through all of this, but now he is just amazed at what a meliorate person I accept become. All the same me, obviously, but without all of the drama. :-) Not every drug is right for anybody. Lamictal was just the one that was right for me. I am a success story. I am so happy to have my life back.

Comment from: CaityCatherine, 25-34 on Treatment for one-2 years (Patient) Published: June 26

Lamictal saved my life. Information technology was a miracle for me. I feel similar I don't have mental health issues at all since I started on it a twelvemonth agone. 150mg pills twice a day and I am healthy, happy, and stable. Just don't mix it with alcohol! Information technology throws me into a balmy low for ii-3 days if I drink. Otherwise it is wonderful. I had gained thirty lbs on SSRIs. I went off of them and onto Lamictal and four months after the weight was off and I was dorsum to normal without even dieting. This drug is wonderful.

Comment from: Me, 45-54 on Handling for 1-2 years (Patient) Published: March 01

I was diagnosed Bipolar- II nigh ii years agone.Lamictal and Zoloft were the beginning drugs that were prescribed for me. I never felt correct on the Zoloft or whatever SSRI or SNRI for that thing. I got upward to the 300mg doses of lamictal and felt it had stopped beingness as effective as it was in the beginning. This took 1/ii twelvemonth to poop out. I then started looking for alternatives equally my Doc. at the fourth dimension only wanted me to slowly increment lamictal, withal I felt I needed another med. Well, I went back to my first Medico. that diagnosed me, and tried different meds., but after reading a book called Bi-polar II, from the library I found that the aureate standard, for Bi-polar is Lithium Carbonate ER. And so I suggested this to my md. and I have been taking it along with 150mg Lamictal for less than a calendar week. I tell you, I have felt some calmness, and peace with the Lithium add-on already and await forward to more. She only started me at 300mg twice a day. We will do bloodwork soon to run across if I need an increase for the theraputic level. I just wanted to laissez passer this along to others, every bit lithium was the beginning med. bachelor to treat bipolar and sometimes docs. get with the newer meds. that the drug companies produce. It may have side effects, cheque them out with your doc. And so far though I have been excercising 30min. a day and cutting out gluten and sugars, eating more good carbs. and protein, no weight gain nonetheless. I tell yous the side furnishings may be so minimal for me that I don't feel annihilation simply benefit for Lithium then far. I'll keep you posted. I am in therapy every two weeks,working part-time, and have a cracking matrimony with two neat teenage girls. It isn't easy to go far trough each day, sometimes I force myself to sit back and be thankful for what I do have and accept managed to keep upwardly with because my mental health and lack of sleep, (getting better). Cheers for all of your messages on Spider web Dr., I take read many.

Comment from: [email protected], 45-54 on Treatment for half dozen months - ane yr (Patient) Published: September 25

i dont lie in my bed constantly, im not obsessed with thoughts of suicide. i dont stay up all hours of the dark and sleep belatedly and just desire to stay in bed all the fourth dimension. im not then aroused and dont cry all the time anymore. i dont retrieve caffeine is good for bipolar disorder, information technology makes me nervous and manic feeling in my head if i drink very much of it!!

Annotate from: ET, 45-54 on Treatment for 1-six months (Patient) Published: October 29

I take been misdiagnosed for nigh xx years. I have been severely depressed and at times suicidal. So I would take small manic phases. I thought I was crazy! After about 10 days on this medicine, I feel like a new and very unlike woman! I am loving life and my family has seen an amazing turn around in my mood and outlook on life.

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What Is Epilepsy? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments Encounter Slideshow

Comment from: xix-24 on Treatment for 6 months - 1 year (Patient) Published: October 12

I have been on Lamictal for near 6 months, and have noticed a big difference in my moods, etc. I am currently taking 300mg to sleep better, too equally 50mg of Zoloft to make any depressive episodes, or excess stress, less strong. The simply downside I've noticed is that I feel fatigued during the day. Overall, I am grateful for finally finding something that works!

Comment from: Dfp66, 45-54 Female person on Treatment for 6 months - i year (Patient) Published: August 08

I have been on every medication possible for depression since I was 12 years sometime. In Dec 2010 I attempted suicide and was placed in an intensive outpatient handling program. I was diagnosed with Bipolar II and Anxiety Disorder and was put on Lamictal and Xanax (.fifty mg). My therapeutic level for the Lamictal was/is 150mg (200mg caused difficulties sleeping). The Lamictal helped with the depression and "dark thoughts". I was on the meds from December 2010 - March 2012 and got cocky and decided I was cured and didn't demand the meds anymore (not realizing the truth the meds were doing what they were suppose to practise). At showtime I was fine but by November 2013 things began spinning out of control with my depression and hypo mania. In May 2014 I was so distraught and spiraled downwardly again that I left work went abode and cut myself 17 times. Once over again I was back in intensive outpatient treatment merely for longer this time. I was put back on the Lamictal the terminate of May 2014 and in one case once again the "night thoughts" have subsided and I am feeling stronger over again (and accept managed to bargain with four deaths of friends the past three weeks and though my emotions were grief and pain which are expected, the out of control bleakness has not occurred). I have had to come to terms that I volition ever require med management for my disorder and can not go off my meds once again equally my "experiment" of being fine without them was a complete failure. I am not proverb everyone will experience the aforementioned results and manifestly by the mixed reviews many have non. All I know is after 36 years of medication experimentation Lamictal has proven to be the i which was by far the most effective for me! (FYI - I experienced no side effects other than sleep difficulties at 200 mg and so it was readjusted back to 150 mg which has proven the all-time level for me.)

Comment from: Joey_H, 55-64 Female on Treatment for i-half dozen months (Patient) Published: March 16

I'm 63. I was diagnosed bipolar in 1991 with possible ad/hard disk drive, which was confirmed past a long test administered by an expert in the field. From 2001 on, having lost insurance with a divorce, I was forced to seek treatment at the VA! Not proficient!!! Having been treated past half-dozen doctors there, the only were treating the low aspect of my disorder. I was unaware of this every bit most of these doctors were impatient and few could speak adequate English. Finally, I was alleged disabled by SS and received my Medicare card July one of 09. I purchased an Advantage Plan from a private health insurance company to allow me neat access to health intendance. $ months ago, I had my first session with a highly recommended private psychiatrist. I presented my medications for review. In less than three minutes, he declared: "You lot're not on any mood stabilizer." Imagine my surprise and displeasure. All those years, the flip-flopping of moods, all the different combination of medications, all the family, spousal dysfunction, with divorces and separations, all the hope that the next arbitration would do it and last! The new medico prescribed this drug. Literally, inside a week, and only on the trial pack, I was a new human being! I hadn't felt this adept in years. Everything changed. I'm also taking Cymbalta for low merely at much lower dose. Gradually, he increased my dose of Lamictal,to 200mg. And though, my electric current wife is living somewhere in Indiana, and in that location since right later on her accompanying me to the new dr., I'g naturally feeling low as there no contact with her and I love and treat her deeply and I believe she me, I'm managing to accept intendance of things I could not manage before. I'm opening mail, paying bills, taking showers, doing some writing, more of less living a more 'normal' life. This medication has turned my life around! I pray that these results continue. I can't praise this drug more highly. After 4-five months, however doing fine, in spite of living lone and missing my married woman. A new me!!!!

Comment from: Nate, 25-34 Female on Treatment for 1-6 months (Patient) Published: October twenty

I started taking Lamictal a month agone and it has honestly changed my life. I've been struggling with mood swings for a long time, but I never sought treatment. I assumed what I was going through was the normal wear and tear of life, simply it wasn't. My mood swings started affecting my life, from my job, to my human relationship with my new wife. I talked to my md about my mood swings and he recommended Lamictal. Since I started taking the medication a month ago I have literally not had a single mood swing. I feel happier than I have in years. If you want a medication that works and gives absolutely no side effects and then this is the medication for you! (duh)

Comment from: Drum and Bass, 25-34 Female on Handling for i-2 years (Patient) Published: April 13

I was first diagnosed with depression which turned out to be very incorrect as things got so bad with taking an anti-depressant that I offset getting sucidal thoughts and was crying all the fourth dimension. Finally, I did my own research and went and saw a mental health doctor that was able to diagnose Bi-polar disorder extremely fast. Lamictal was the offset and only drug I have ever tried for bi-polar and it makes such a difference that I was shocked. I tin't beleive how many years I went thinking my moods were normal. No more mania where my thoughts race and no more crying either. I noticed 12 hours or so afterwards taking the pill information technology must wear off or something becaue my thoughts get fuzzy again. I now take the pill first affair upon rising and it works fine. No other side effects really, but if I forget to have the pill for even one day, I do feel a divergence. If you are truly bipolar so give it a shot. My doctor informs me it's one of the best drugs for bipolar patients as it has very few side effects. I have been on the drug for a couple years and can't beleive how much amend things are.

Comment from: Elizabeth, 35-44 on Treatment for one-6 months (Patient) Published: June 01

I have never written a review of anything in my life simply I tin can't say enough about this drug and I wanted other people who are bipolar to benefit. You can get-go at a low dose and work your way up gradually. Lamictal prevented me from backsliding further into my depression and brought me out of it. I am not depressed and feeling stable for the first time in five months. Please endeavour this drug and I promise it works for you!

Comment from: Steadman, 25-34 Female on Treatment for 1-six months (Patient) Published: January 12

Lamictal has been great. Later on having tried other mood stabilisers (Tegretol, Epilim) antidepressants (Lexapro, Prozac and Effexor) and antipsychotics (Abilify, Seroquel and Zyprexa) I finally am starting to experience better. Before I used to stay in bed all twenty-four hour period and took absolutely no pleasance in doing anything. But no I have got my mojo back and am starting to become more agile. Yet have some trouble sleeping and am taking Seroquel to assistance slumber and also to boost the effect of the Lamictal, information technology's not every bit good every bit Benzos but at least it is not addictive. Currently taking 75mg of Lamictal and am gradually increasing to 200mg. Only side effects I accept noticed are a slight unsteadiness when getting upwards and some indisposition. I have a soft bipolar II with merely moderate hypo-manic episodes, still plenty to make me exercise stupid stuff. Hope others find Lamictal as effective at treating bipolar low as I have. One more thing, does the ease of use rating seem a fleck redundant, as the vast bulk of medications are taken orally it is non exactly difficult to consume a pill. Just a thought.

Annotate from: odwassquad, 35-44 on Handling for 2-v years (Patient) Published: Oct 10

My all-time advice to anyone with depression and/or bi-polar disorder is to endeavour whatever meds that are offered or are available. Information technology took a while to find the medications that worked for me. Don't be worried about taking more than than ane drug either. I take been taking Lamictal for 3 ane/2 YEARS. I am taking 400 mg and have been for most of that time period. I have had excellent results on this med, and accept had no side effects at all, ever, nor have I had any significant weight proceeds. This medicine has worked wonderful for ME. It has stabilized my mood dramatically. I also take Wellbutrin 450 mg, and Seroquel 100 mg. This is the "cocktail" of meds that take worked for me. As I said, I have been on this philharmonic of drugs for 3 1/ii years. Medicine affects anybody differently. Don't think that just because ane person had serious side effects that yous will likewise. This medicine may be just what yous need. Sometimes you have to trust the medico more than the reviewers. The doctors know what the side furnishings may be. They are in no manner trying to injure you! They trying to help you the only way they know how! Adept luck and God anoint yous! There is hope, just don't give up!

Annotate from: AEDANCERCHICK14, xix-24 on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient) Published: July 03

Lamictal has changed my life.and unfortunately not for the better. I started taking Lamictal in 2002.and about 7 years later I am still suffering the effects Lamictal has left on me. As a result of taking Lamictal,I adult Stevens Johnson Syndrome...this is the "rash" the physician's might tell you about as a side effect. SJS however is far more than than that. If you go this and so called "rash" from Lamictal...it gives yous a reaction that litterally makes your pare peel off and blister and cause your pare to accept chemical burns from the inside out. This was an extremely awful and painful experience. I was in the burn center for six weeks and gave me a ventilator, considering the skin on my lungs was sloughing off as a result of the medication and I couldn't breathe on my own. I would give anything to go dorsum and never have taken Lamictal. Mayhap for some people, when yous have no other option, yous might have to utilize it as a concluding resort..but for me their were so many other options. You too take to watch out for swollen lymph nodes this could be a sign that you lot are getting an allergic reaction. The chemic burns from the Lamictal made it so there were blisters in my eyes and now I have unbearable centre pain and eye problems. My eyes practise non look normal I have redness hurting, dry eye syndrome,(astringent,I accept to apply eyedrops about ten-20 times a mean solar day) photophobia,trichiasis,blepharitis,droopy,bloated eyelids, and constant center infections because of this. I have scars and have as well lost all my fingernails and toenails because I lost my nail beds as a direct upshot of Lamictal. I also am very sensitive to hot and cold temperature and cannot exist out for long periods of fourth dimension.IMPORTANTIf you become SJS..it MIGHT NOT STOP Later You STOP THE MEDS... IT MAY Take TO RUN ITS COURSE!Now,if you are thinking, this happened to simply i of those people who are one out of a one thousand thousand, you are incorrect The risk is a lot higher than you think. just please be careful and Inquire YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME

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If you accept had a seizure, information technology means you have epilepsy. See Answer

Comment from: Katie1971, 35-44 on Treatment for less than one month (Patient) Published: April 16

I have been taking Lamictal (generic class) for approx. 3 weeks and words can not truly express how much this Rx has changed my life for the better! Before taking this med I was living with then much emotional agony and strife...terrible mood swings, chaotic relationships, could not hold a stable job,etc. I finally hit rock bottom and saw a psychiatrist. Was initially scared to take meds because of the scary potential side furnishings. But I was willing to effort annihilation to save my life & sanity!!! Inside Just 2 days of taking 25 mg I felt much, MUCH amend. Very calm ,without the erratic mood swings. At present I am up to fifty mg daily and feel even amend. My beau was on the verge of breaking up with me before lamictal, he simply could non handle my raging mood swings and verbal abuse. Now nosotros are happy and finally take a loving,healthy human relationship!!! THIS MEDICINE IS A GODSEND!!!! AI RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO IS SUFFERING IN MISERY AND WANTS TO FINALLY Learn INNER PEACE.

Comment from: 25-34 Female on Treatment for 6 months - 1 yr (Patient) Published: Baronial 26

After being treated with numerous antidepressants, with no luck, and often worsening of symptoms, I was finally put on Lamictal by my psychiatrist (3rd psychiatrist). I noticed a cracking improvement later on only 3 weeks of being on the medication. Now I'grand stable and on 100 mg a day which is quite low merely it works wonders for me. No more irritability, feelings of guilt, mood swings and depression. This really is the holy grail for me. I likewise have noticed any side effects.

Comment from: Elizabeth, 55-64 on Handling for 10+ years (Patient) Published: October 04

I am alive today thanks to Lamictal and a good doctor. If the world goes to hell I am kicking in the back door of CVS. I don't desire narcotics. I want Lamictal.

Comment from: risenone, 45-54 on Handling for 2-5 years (Patient) Published: September 21

This medication has been a God Ship!! I was on Lithium but it actually gave me bad gastrointestinal issues. I take 300mg a mean solar day of Lamictal and though the Dr still has some tweaking to do every now then it is great. I do have the dry out mouth bad, confusion, and alittle spacey but compared to the alternative this has changed my life. I am a cutter and that is most nonexistenct now. The depression is so much amend and my manic eposides are more under control. I was at the end of my rope. I had tried almost everything and nothing worked or information technology made me gain weight too bad. I don't accept that problem with this drug. The trade off with the other side effects I do have are worth the benefit I receive from this drug past far.

Comment from: amy295, 25-34 on Treatment for 1-6 months (Patient) Published: Dec 06

This medication was a miricle drug for me. For the first time in my life, I got to experience 'normal'. My seizures are in the temporal lobe, so I got to fifty-fifty feel normal emotions. My sleep patterns were normal for the first time in my life. I had a normal schedule. I played with my kids outside. I got angry without hate, I felt happiness without overconsuming joy. My mind did not race anymore. I could think and process one thought at a time. I could play, work, sleep, and enjoy all the benefits of life I could never savour before. I didn't even know it was possible to have that kind of of a life until Lamictal. I thought I had plant the answer to all my problems until one day, virtually three months into my handling, something terrible happened without alarm. I took my evening dose and exactly two hours later on, my fever spiked to over 103, I developed a raised rash on my forehead, I began vomiting, and and so I passed out out of nowhere. I thought I had a virus. I took my morning dose and the rash spread thru my scalp and began to peel off taking my pilus with it. I had never been so sick in my entire life. I had to immediately stop the medicine due to Stephens Johnsons Syndrome. Due to the sudden cease, I began going thru withdraw and the seizures became intense. I don't know what will supervene upon the Lamictal, just at least I know now what normal experience like. I will recogonize it when I notice it again. Zilch else has come close even so. I'thou notwithstanding looking.

Comment from: ..., 13-18 on Treatment for i-half dozen months Published: January 25

I accept a xiii yr old girl who has been diagnosed with mood disorder and possible bipolar disorder (along with many other things). She has been on and so many meds in the last ii years i can barely keep count. When she was started on Lamictal, she was taking buspar, abilify, klonapin, and other drugs for acrid reflux and hypothyroidism. That is alot for a 13 year onetime to be on... three months after starting lamictal, she is down to merely lamictal and her thyroid meds. she is happier, and healthier because of this med. I am so thankful for this medication. It has really helped my babe daughter.

Comment from: 45-54 on Treatment for 1-half-dozen months (Patient) Published: Jan 11

I have read a lot of the reviews and I must say i am exrremely grateful after 30 years of existence misdiagnosed and medicated that i feel normal for the first time. I take decluttered my whole house effortlessly, organized things that I never seemed to be able to practise.I did attempt I managed to go all A's in a sw chief'south program 20 years agone i wanted to help others and understand myself.Information technology was exhausting. Infact everything I ever achieved was never as far equally I dreamed and took a lot out of me to role.Now I hope this lasts because Everyday that goes by and i am able to keep going forward with organizing dealing with life calmly and most importantly bask spending time with my son. I would be out of it and have to get to bed or so caught upward in something that i was there but non really.I am able to move forward with friends, events, tasks and routines. I believe drinking smoking non get plenty sleep, hormonally unbalanced (I was) stress and non having a healthy life manner w food and exercise,lower the chances of having swell success with any drug. after 2 months on this drug, i had a drinking glass of wine I haven't had any alcohol in months I had a migraine body aches foggy brain. I got over it . Some people say that coffee alcohol cashews and chocolate demand to be cut out.The chocolate gets in once in a while, coffee also but i by and large drink decaf, I am going forward and not looking back at what I created because of promises cleaved no shows, paranoia and simply not performance then many dreams crushed friends lost. I value my mental functioning more anything and love this new constitute freedom and ease in my power to be in the globe I accept merely performed my music. Passionate lyrics and music i have written over the years i can practice information technology now. I hope to keep new friends and hopefully my family unit volition gain respect and understanding when they encounter me performance consistently at such a higher level.I wish all of you the same.Would similar to know your stories. May I always feel this way.

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